'If something comes up, who knows?' - Toby Sibbick reveals thoughts on permanent move to Hearts

Toby Sibbick enjoyed the atmosphere on his Hearts debut

After a commanding Hearts debut against Rangers, Toby Sibbick is not ruling out converting his Barnsley loan deal into a permanent transfer.

He told the Evening News he may consider extending his six-month stay in Scotland having been struck by the atmosphere during Sunday's match at Tynecastle Park.

The loan agreement between Barnsley and Hearts does not include a purchase option. As it stands, Sibbick is contractually obliged to return to Oakwell this summer. His contract there runs until 2023 following his move last July from formative club AFC Wimbledon.

The temporary move to Hearts was completed on Saturday and he impressed in his first appearance the following day in the 2-1 win against Rangers.

The 20-year-old explained that he must wait to see if Hearts make any moves to sign him permanently before the end of the season. "No, there is no option there. I just go straight back to Barnsley but, if something comes up, who knows? It’s football. Anything can happen," he told the Evening News.

"I’m here to continue developing as a player and a person. It’s a new challenge, living in another country a long way from home. I did that at Barnsley and I’m ready to do it again."

Sibbick said the noise inside Tynecastle on Sunday took him aback as Hearts earned a priceless win in their quest to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Manager Daniel Stendel infused his side with belief that they could beat second-top Rangers and the new loanee revelled in the intensity of the occasion.

"The atmospheres are always booming in Scotland. That’s one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in. Non-stop singing from both fans, it gave me goosebumps. It was incredible," said the Englishman.

"I will always remember that game, especially beating Rangers on your Hearts debut. Maybe not many people thought we could get a result because of our league position, but the gaffer was telling us before the game: ‘You are a good team. If you believe in that, you can beat them.’ That’s exactly what we did."